Building Heat

by K. Sterling

  “They were really good.” He admitted and exchanged a heated glance with Mason as he recalled what happened before the pancakes. Mason’s eyes dropped to Avery’s lips and he knew that Mason remembered too. Evy sighed and they looked over to find her pressing her hand to her chest.

  “You two are just adorable together! When can we have the wedding?” She asked as she leaned forward excitedly. Mason shook his head in exasperation.

  “Mom. We’re happy. We don’t need to rush anything.” He explained. She shook her head as she retrieved a giant handbag from the floor. Avery sat back, amused, and took a sip from his glass as he waited to see what she’d pull out. A magazine.

  “According to this, you’re at your sexual prime.” She declared a bit too loudly. Avery choked on his drink and sat forward as Mason patted his back.

  “I did warn you.” Mason said under his breath. Evy ignored him.

  “You should get married now while the sex is still hot.” She recommended as Mason snatched the magazine across the table.

  “Why are you reading Details?” He asked incredulously. Avery took it from him and started flipping through it as he laughed.

  “She’s right.” Avery said as he pointed at the article and Mason shot him a glare.

  She leaned forward and gave Mason a sneaky grin.

  “I read that and GQ for the hot guys and the sex tips. I got your dad to try…”

  “Stop!” Mason held up his hand and shook his head. She tried to look innocent.

  “I was going to say distressed jeans.” Evy offered. Mason gave her a dubious look.

  “Really? I was expecting you to say something like swinging.” He said and she waved dismissively.

  “Don’t be silly, dear. We did all of that before you were born.” Evy said casually and Mason’s head fell.

  “Why, God?” He complained. He looked up as their plates were being set down. “Go get your food, mom.” Mason begged. She got up and went to make her plate. Mason looked over at Avery and sighed. “I’m really sorry. She can be a lot.” He explained. Avery waved him off.

  “I wish you’d relax. She’s great.” He said as he brushed his knuckle over the back of Mason’s hand. He looked unconvinced.

  “She’s not making you uncomfortable?” Mason turned his hand over and wrapped his fingers around Avery’s.

  “Not at all. She’s not the first woman to grab my ass in public. She’s definitely not the oldest.” Avery said as he leaned closer. “I’m having a great time, I just wish you were too.” He put his arm around Mason. “I see where you get your sense of humor from.” He said softly and Mason smiled.

  “As long as she isn’t embarrassing you.” His eyes searched Avery’s face. Avery shook his head softly.

  “I’m not afraid of people seeing me have fun or that I have a life. If this were business, it would be very different. Today, I’m with my gorgeous boyfriend and his delightful mother. I’m not afraid of anyone knowing that.” He explained.

  “Delightful mother?” Evy said as she sat down with a mountain of food. “You were definitely talking about me.” She said as she draped her napkin across her lap. Mason smiled as he picked up his fork.

  “Avery was asking me what I’d like for my birthday.” He said as he poked at his frittata and Avery bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Evy ignored him.

  “Tell me, Avery, is my son this uptight in bed?” She asked as she waved her fork in front of her. Avery shook his head as he reached for his glass.

  “No, he’s definitely more relaxed and a lot more fun.” He offered and Evy reached forward and patted Mason’s hand.

  “That’s marvelous, darling.” Her eyes flicked back and forth between them for a moment. “So, which of you is the top?” She asked. Mason’s lips pulled tight and he pointed at Evy sternly.

  “No, mom.” He gave her a hard look. “We’re not discussing that. Especially here, while we’re eating.” Mason warned. Her mouth twisted before she looked at Avery. He winked at her.

  “Both.” He said before he took a bite of lobster. Mason’s head snapped in Avery’s direction and his eyes were wide. Avery shrugged as he chewed and Mason threw his hands up.

  “Apparently, there are no boundaries. You two are ridiculous.” He complained and Evy nodded.

  “We are. It’s why you love us.” She declared before she attacked a crepe. Avery saw a blush tint Mason’s cheeks and heat spread in his chest. He picked out another piece of lobster.

  “Try this.” He said softy and Mason turned and opened his mouth. Avery almost groaned as Mason’s tongue slid forward. He placed the piece of lobster on Mason’s tongue and let the fork slide back over Mason’s lips slowly. Mason’s eyes flashed and he chewed slowly. He swallowed and licked his lips.

  “That’s really good.” Mason’s voice was low and his eyes pulled Avery in. He started to lean toward Mason’s lips when Evy cleared her throat.

  “If you two would like, you can borrow my room key.” She said. Avery’s head snapped up and he sat back. Evy gave them a knowing look as she popped a raspberry into her mouth. “If you boys are free after we’re done eating, I was hoping to do a little shopping.” She said. Mason looked at Avery and he shrugged.

  “I planned to do whatever the two of you wanted. I have no other plans.” Avery lied as he stared at Mason.

  “Sure, mom. We’ll take you shopping.” Mason agreed. “As long as you promise not to ask too many inappropriate questions.” He stipulated and Evy shook her head.

  “I can’t promise that.” She said and Avery laughed. Mason rolled his eyes in exasperation then smiled.

  By the time they finished eating, Mason loosened up. He laughed and teased as Evy told Avery stories about Mason’s childhood. He was a good sport when the waiter set down a cupcake with a candle in it. The waiter offered to sing Happy Birthday but Mason threatened his life. Avery ate most of the cupcake and tipped the waiter generously.

  As they were leaving, Avery put his arm around Evy and let Mason walk ahead of him. She looked up at him and he winked. They stepped out of the hotel and Mason froze on the sidewalk when he spotted their car. The driver stood, straight and aloof with a leash in his hand. At the end sat a tiny white ball of fluff that looked like a teddy bear wearing a pink leather and crystal studded collar. Evy gasped and threw her arms around Avery as Mason dropped to his knees and scooped her up. His eyes were huge and full of tears as he looked up at Avery.

  “She’s precious!” He gasped as he pulled her to his chest and rubbed behind her ears. He stood and went to Avery. He slid a hand around Avery’s head and pulled him close and kissed him. Avery generally didn’t go for making out in public but he gathered Mason’s face in his hands and slid his tongue between Mason’s lips and kissed him thoroughly. It was Mason’s birthday, after all. Plus, mimosas… Lots of mimosas. When Avery lifted his head, Mason looked dazed.

  “Happy Birthday.” Avery whispered as he brushed his thumb over Mason’s lips.

  “Thank you.” He breathed as his eyes spilled into Avery’s.

  “Oh! I wish your father had come!” Evy said shakily. Mason’s head whipped around and he frowned lightly.

  “I don’t think dad would have enjoyed this.” He said as he turned and got in the car. Avery gestured for Evy to follow him. Avery passed the driver $100 before he joined them.

  “He almost came, Mason. He wanted to be here but Jim Marshall had a stroke so he’s got his cases.” Evy explained. Mason rolled his eyes in disbelief. She slapped his knee hard. “I’m serious, Mason. He had a plane ticket.” She said. Mason looked at her in shock. “He was really looking forward to meeting Avery.” She added.

  “Really?” He looked at her warily and she nodded as she looked at Avery.

  “He’s very impressed with you!” She offered and Mason snorted.

  “Of course he’s impressed. Avery’s a famous lawyer. Glad I finally managed to impress him. I was wondering w
ho I’d have to sleep with to get his approval.” Mason said as he stared out the window.

  “Mason!” Avery’s voice cracked like a whip and Mason looked at him in shock. “Don’t talk about your father like that, especially around your mother.” He said as Mason continued to stare, stunned.

  “I can’t believe you yelled at me!” Mason whispered. Evy’s arms were crossed over her chest.

  “You deserved it.” She declared. “Your father has always been proud of you. He brags about his son, the ‘hotshot publishing executive’ all the time.” Evy said. Mason’s mouth hung open in surprise as he stared at her. “He knows he didn’t handle things well when you told us you were gay and that he should have been more supportive over the years.” Her voice weakened and Avery grabbed her hand. She looked at him and smiled as she squeezed his hand.

  “It’s harder on fathers, usually.” Avery said. “Much of their masculine identity is attached to their offspring, especially their sons.” He explained and a bark of laughter burst from Evy. He offered a shy grin. “Psychiatrist mother, anthropologist father.” He said and she nodded. He looked over and tears stood in Mason’s eyes.

  “Why didn’t he say anything?” Mason asked. Evy’s head fell to the side and she cringed.

  “You know how he is, he’s never been much of a talker and he doesn’t handle the emotional stuff well.” She smiled softly and Mason nodded.

  “I’d like it if he could come next time.” Mason said. Evy looked like she was about to cry so Avery decided to lighten the mood.

  “So, have you decided on a name for this little girl?” He asked as he took the puppy's face in his hand. She really was adorable. If she didn’t poop and pee on everything Avery held sacred, he might fall in love with her. Mason’s eyes filled with joy as he held her up in front of him.

  “What is she?” He asked as he shook her gently. Avery fumbled mentally for a moment before he recalled the breed.

  “A West Highland Terrier.” He said and Mason sighed as he pulled her close and kissed her head.

  “I like Darcy.” He decided and Avery nodded in agreement as he tugged gently at her ear. Evy held her arms out.

  “Let me hold her!” She commanded and Mason pouted as he passed her across. He turned to Avery and slid his arm around his neck as he leaned close.

  “I love her.” He said as he brushed his lips against Avery’s. They kept the kiss tender before they both sighed and watched Evy coo at Darcy.

  “She’s going to make a wonderful grandmother.” Avery said as he slid his palm against Mason’s. Her head snapped up and Mason groaned.

  “Now you’ve done it.” He grumbled.

  “When do I get grandchildren?” Evy demanded. Avery looked at Mason expectantly.

  “Don’t ask me, you’re the one with the plan.” Mason said as he threw his hands up. Avery started calculating in his head; months before he could propose, months until they could have a wedding, months for all the necessary paperwork…

  “Two years, tops.” He announced. Mason’s cheeks puffed out as he exhaled loudly and Evy squealed giddily. “If that’s all right with you.” Avery said as he watched Mason. Mason nodded jerkily.

  “That’s… yeah… ok.” He said as he clung to Avery’s hand desperately.

  Evy was tireless as she dragged Mason and Avery around the city. She ignored Mason’s whining and made him sit through a fitting and ordered him two new suits and bought him six pairs of jeans and eight t-shirts. He limited her to two pairs of shoes and forbid ties. They had dinner at Eleven Madison Park and lingered over cocktails before they dropped Evy off at The Waldorf.

  “I had a great time.” Mason said as he leaned against Avery. Darcy was curled up in Mason’s lap as he played with her ear. Avery rubbed his lips against Mason’s cheek.

  “She has beds and crates in our apartments.” He said quietly. “She’s not allowed on the furniture or in bed with us.” Avery said almost firmly. Mason looked up and pushed his lower lip out.

  “Let her sleep with us, just for tonight.” He nipped Avery’s lip. “It’s my birthday and I just got her.” He argued. Avery sighed and shook his head.

  “Just for tonight.” He said sternly. But for some reason, he felt like he’d already lost that battle. Mason rubbed Avery’s thigh, slowly rubbing higher with each stroke.

  “There’s going to be some really dirty birthday sex.” Mason sang as he trailed his finger over the bulge in Avery’s slacks.

  “I was planning on it.” Avery said as he slid lower in the seat so Mason could rub his whole length. “I’m not going to be able to walk right if you don’t stop.” He groaned as Mason reached lower and cupped his balls.

  “You don’t want me to stop.” Mason whispered. Avery shook his head and shut his eyes.

  “Never.” He panted.

  “I won’t.” Mason promised.

  Chapter 16

  “Can you take a week off next month?” Avery asked as he grabbed two water bottles from the fridge. Mason mentally went through his schedule and didn’t anticipate anything too pressing.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem. Why?” He asked as he waited on the sofa. Avery took a bag of grapes to the sink and dumped them in a colander.

  “Want to go to London? I need to go shopping and I don't want to go without you.” Avery said as he rinsed the grapes and let them drain. Mason felt anticipation and joy swell within him.

  “That sounds great. I haven’t spent much time in London and it’s been years.” He said as he started deciding what to pack. Avery looked over his shoulder as he dumped the grapes into a bowl.

  “Grab my phone and send Marla a text, tell her to book our air and hotel for whichever days will work for you.” Avery said as he washed the colander.

  Mason nodded as he grabbed Avery’s phone off the coffee table. He swiped the screen and opened Avery’s text messages. His heart stopped when he saw the last message received.

  Adonis

  I miss you. Can’t wait to see you tonight.

  Mason’s hands started to shake and his body felt cold as it tensed. Avery said his name and Mason looked up to see Avery looking down at him with concern. Mason felt his stomach twist and bile burned his throat. He jumped to his feet and pushed Avery’s phone to his chest. Avery clutched at it in confusion as Mason went for the door.

  “Mason? What’s wrong?” Avery asked as he followed. “Stop!” He called urgently. Mason turned and he felt tears burning his eyes.

  “How could you do this to me?” Mason rasped. “After everything you said, everything you did? How could you do it?” Pain tore through Mason and his knees felt like they would give out. Avery held his hands out to Mason, trying to get him to calm down.

  “I don’t know what you think I did, but I promise, I didn’t.” His eyes were wide and pleading as they held Mason’s. Mason shook his head as he backed away, he wanted to run.

  “I can’t stay here. I need to get out.” His voice was thin and ragged as his throat struggled to stay open. Avery rushed forward and tried to grab Mason but he threw Avery’s hands off. Avery tried again and was able to grab Mason’s shoulders.

  “Stop! Talk to me!” He ordered. Mason turned his face away and squeezed his eyes shut.

  “I saw the message, Avery. Is that why you had me go into your messages? Is this how you wanted to tell me its over?” He hissed as he turned back to Avery and searched his eyes. They were wide with shock and confusion.

  “What are you talking about?” He looked pale as he pulled Mason closer. Mason tried to twist away.

  “And fucking Adonis? Is that a joke? Because he’s hotter? Is he younger too?” Mason spit the words and Avery started laughing. He laughed. It was like a punch in the gut. Mason tried to push Avery away but he held on tight.

  “Stop, Mason!” He yelled. Mason glared at him and waited. Avery pushed the phone into Mason’s hand. “Call the number.” He commanded. Mason shook his head furiousl
y.

  “I don’t want to talk to him. That’s sick, Avery.” He couldn’t manage more than a whisper. Avery pushed Mason back against the wall and ducked his head so that their eyes met.

  “Call. The. Number.” He ground out. Mason felt a tremor pass though him and his hand shook as he raised the phone and pressed the green phone icon. “Speaker phone.” Avery growled. Mason set it to Speaker and waited. It rang several times before going to voice mail.

  “Hey. It’s Mason, leave a message.”

  Avery took the phone and hung up. He released Mason and stepped back. Mason would have fallen if he hadn’t been leaning against the wall. His vision swam and his skin felt prickly. He looked at Avery and his mouth wouldn’t work. Avery set his phone on the island and pushed his hands through his hair as he exhaled in relief.

  “I didn’t know your name. For almost two years I watched you and waited for you but I didn’t know what your name was. So, in my mind, I called you Adonis. You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen and my body burned with need every time I saw you. And you wouldn't believe the dreams I had. For two years you were Adonis and it was a private joke when I typed it into my Contacts List.” He explained and Mason had never felt like a bigger ass.

  “I’m so sorry.” Tears streaked down his face and he prayed that he hadn’t just ruined everything. “I should have trusted you. I’m so, so sorry.” He whispered. Avery nodded.

  “Yes, you should have. I’m not Ryan, Mason.” He said as he stepped closer.

  “I know. I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. You’ve been so open and everything has been so perfect. I’ve never had a moment of doubt, I don’t know where it came from.” Mason reached for Avery and sobbed as his arms closed around him. Avery pulled him close and made a shushing sound.

  “When would I have the time? I’m always with you if I’m not at work. And I definitely don’t have the energy, you wear me out.” Avery said softly as he rubbed Mason’s back soothingly. “And you’re out of your mind if you think I could find anyone hotter.” Avery teased. Mason’s breath shuddered as he filled his lungs.